Abstract: An engagement assembly, adapted to securely engage an orifice of an article. The engagement assembly includes a plurality of elongate fingers which are transversely movable relative to each other, each finger having an end flange thereon. The engagement assembly has an insertion position, wherein said fingers are contracted together, such that said flanges are adapted to be inserted through said orifice of said article; and, an engaged position, wherein said fingers are flared outwards relative to said insertion position, such that said flanges are adapted to thereby prevent withdrawal of said assembly from said orifice.

Abstract: An engagement assembly, adapted to securely engage an orifice of an article. The engagement assembly includes a plurality of elongate fingers which are transversely movable relative to each other, each finger having an end flange thereon. The engagement assembly has an insertion position, wherein said fingers are contracted together, such that said flanges are adapted to be inserted through said orifice of said article; and, an engaged position, wherein said fingers are flared outwards relative to said insertion position, such that said flanges are adapted to thereby prevent withdrawal of said assembly from said orifice.

Abstract: An article handling apparatus for gripping and moving an article such as a large tire or other vehicular component of a mining, earthmoving or like vehicle. The article handling apparatus includes a base frame for movement of the apparatus over a substrate surface, and a handling frame for gripping the article, such as a tire. The apparatus has a pair of moveable arm members on the base frame, and a pair of moveable arm members on the handling frame. The apparatus can be compactly stored by contraction of the arms, can be manipulated through tight spaces, and is extremely stable while handling large and heavy articles.

Abstract: An access device (1) adapted to provide access between a substrate surface (2) and an elevated surface (3). The access device (1) includes a mounting (4), for securement of said device (1) below an extremity of said elevated surface (3), a first ladder member (5), a first end (9) of which is pivotally attached to an upper end (11) of said mounting (4), a second ladder member (6), a first end (12) of which is pivotally attached to a second end (13) of said first ladder member (5), drive means (7), operatively connected between said mounting (4) and said first ladder member (5), to control the movement of said first ladder member (5) between an access position and a storage position, and, a guide arm (8), operatively connected between a lower end of said mounting (4) and said second ladder member (6), to guide the movement of said second ladder member (6) as said drive means (7) moves said first ladder member (5).

Abstract: An access device (1), adapted to provide access between a substrate surface (2) and an elevated surface (3). The device (1) includes a mounting (4), for securement of said device (1) substantially atop said elevated surface (3), a first ladder member (5), a first end of which is pivotally attached to said mounting (4), a second ladder member (6), a first end (12) of which is pivotally attached to a second end (11) of said first ladder member (5), at an articulation joint, drive means (7), operatively connected between said mounting (4) and said first ladder member (5), to control the movement of said first ladder member (5) between an access position and a storage position, at least one guide arm (8), operatively connected between said mounting (4) and said articulation joint (18), to guide the movement of said second ladder member (6) as said drive means (7) moves said first ladder member (5).

Abstract: An article handling apparatus for gripping and moving an article such as a large tire or other vehicular component of a mining, earthmoving or like vehicle. The article handling apparatus includes a base frame for movement of the apparatus over a substrate surface, and a handling frame for gripping the article, such as a tire. The apparatus has a pair of moveable arm members on the base frame, and a pair of moveable arm members on the handling frame. The apparatus can be compactly stored by contraction of the arms, can be manipulated through tight spaces, and is extremely stable while handling large and heavy articles.

Abstract: A fence post (1) which is adapted to release from a substrate surface in the event of rising water or flood. A plurality of fence post(s) may be used to form a fence (FIG. 8). Each fence post (1) includes an engaging means (7) at a first end thereof, which is adapted to release from a substrate surface in the event of rising water or flood, and, a retaining means (5) at a second end thereof to retain the post near its pre-released position, such that the fence posts may be easily re-installed after the flood has passed.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for transporting an article (2). The apparatus (1) includes a frame (3) and an article support (4) operatively coupled to the frame (3). The article support (4) is movable relative to the frame (3) such that the apparatus (1) provides a first configuration for retaining the article (2) and a second configuration for receiving or unloading the article (2). The apparatus (1) includes a plurality of wheels (9) for movement over a substrate surface, and, a stabilising means (6) to engage the substrate surface and stabilise the frame (3) when the apparatus (1) is in the extended position. In use, the apparatus (1) may be used to support a wheel, tyre or other vehicular component (2) during installation, for example, in a confined space such as a mine.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing, installing and/or servicing a vehicular component, such as a wheel/tyre, a motor or the like, particularly for large mining and/or earthmoving equipment. The apparatus includes a carrier device (100) and a component handling device (200). The carrier device (100) enables the apparatus to be moved over a substrate surface, and is preferably a U-shaped chassis having a pair of outwardly extending arms (140), and at least three wheels (120,130). The component handling device (200) is removably coupled to the carrier device (100). The component handling device (200) includes a frame (270) of complementary shape to the chassis to support the lower portion of the vehicular component, and, a support element (210). At least one retaining arm (220) extends from the support element (210) to provide support to an upper end of the vehicular component.

Abstract: A device for changing a vehicular component on a first vehicle. The device includes a frame for releasably receiving a vehicular component. The frame is configured to facilitate the frame being positioned in a component changing position with respect to the first vehicle. The device also includes a first actuator for moving the frame to a first position and a second position to thereby mount the vehicular component on the first vehicle or receive the vehicular component from the first vehicle.

Abstract: An article handling apparatus for gripping and moving an article such as a large tire or other vehicular component of a mining, earthmoving or like vehicle. The article handling apparatus includes a base frame for movement of the apparatus over a substrate surface, and a handling frame for gripping the article, such as a tire. The apparatus has a pair of moveable arm members on the base frame, and a pair of moveable arm members on the handling frame. The apparatus can be compactly stored by contraction of the arms, can be manipulated through tight spaces, and is extremely stable while handling large and heavy articles.

Abstract: A jig assembly which includes a universal joint to enable three-dimensional movement of a workpiece or handling device attached thereto. The assembly is particularly useful for enabling translation and rotational movement of heavy machinery and components for servicing and maintenance. The jig assembly may comprise one or more ball joints which may be moved by actuators such as hydraulic cylinder. The assembly may be provided on its own movable frame, or it may be attached to a front end of a loader.

Abstract: An access device for providing access between a lower substrate surface and an upper substrate surface. The access device includes upper and lower articulated ladder members. A first end of the upper member is pivotally connected to or near the upper surface. A second end of the lower member is pivotally connected to the second end of the upper member, such that the lower ladder member is rotatable 180° relative to the upper member. In the storage position, the ladder members are folded in a substantially compact upright disposition, while, in the access position, the members are aligned and extend downwardly and outwardly.

Abstract: An access device for providing access between a lower level and an upper level, the access device including a main body which includes a first body section and a body section pivotally connected to the first body section, said first section being mounted for pivotal movement about a main body fixed pivot mounting between an access position and a stowed position, a drive mechanism operable to cause movement of the first body section between the access and stowed positions, the first and second body sections being pivotally movable between an extended position in which they are disposed generally end to end and a retracted position in which they disposed generally side by side, and a control link assembly for controlling the movement of the first and second body sections between the extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: A tow hitch assembly for attachment to a towing vehicle. The tow hitch assembly includes a tow hitch arm, attachment means, positioning means and lifting means.

Abstract: An access device for providing access between a lower substrate surface and an upper substrate surface. The access device includes upper and lower articulated ladder members. A first end of the upper member is pivotally connected to or near the upper surface. A second end of the lower member is pivotally connected to the second end of the upper member, such that the lower ladder member is rotatable 180° relative to the upper member. In the storage position, the ladder members are folded in a substantially compact upright disposition, while, in the access position, the members are aligned and extend downwardly and outwardly.

Abstract: A device and method for removing or installing a vehicular component, such as a transmission or differential, from a vehicle. The device (1) includes a trolley (2) having an actuation means (3) thereon. A saddle like device (14) is engaged with the vehicular component (9), the saddle (14) utilizing a self-aligning guide channel (38) and roller (19) locating and engaging system. Once attached, the vehicular component (9) may be uniquely manoeuvred via the underside of the vehicle, effected by a pair of articulated arms (24) and (25) operated by a plurality of hydraulic cylinders (31) and (32) to achieve the required movement of the arms (24) and (25). The trolley may then be moved from under the vehicle, such that the transmission, differential or other vehicular component may then be easily accessed for servicing.

Abstract: An access device for providing access between a lower level and an upper level, the access device including a main body which includes a first body section and a body section pivotally connected to the first body section, said first section being mounted for pivotal movement about a main body fixed pivot mounting between an access position and a stowed position, a drive mechanism operable to cause movement of the first body section between the access and stowed positions, the first and second body sections being pivotally movable between an extended position in which they are disposed generally end to end and a retracted position in which they disposed generally side by side, and a control link assembly for controlling the movement of the first and second body sections between the extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: An access device having a landing and a ladder. The landing is pivotally movable about a first end thereof between a substantially vertically upright stored position and a substantially horizontally outwardly extending access position. The ladder is pivotally connected to a second end of the landing and cooperatively movable with the landing between a substantially vertically downwardly extending stored position and a substantially outwardly inclined access position.

Abstract: A jig assembly (1) which includes a universal joint (3) to enable three-dimensional movement of a workpiece or handling device attached thereto. The assembly is particularly useful for enabling translation and rotational movement of heavy machinery and components for servicing and maintenance. The jig assembly (1) may comprise one or more ball joints (3) which may be moved by actuators such as hydraulic cylinder (7,8). The assembly (1) may be provided on its own movable frame (4), or it may be attached to a front end of a loader.